I really love our Portland aesthetic. The bridges, the mix of old and new buildings, the max and the park blocks. I lived in L.A. for awhile, and believe me not every city cares as much about those things as we do…
So when I read on the Portland Mercury blog that the building on SW 10th and 11th on Stark with that great checkerboard design had been sold, and might go away, it’s got my dander up.
Part of what I love about Hotel deLuxe is its great look and design. They could have done anything when they remodeled, but they made the look a priority. So let me just say that I hope the new owners have the good sense to save the checkerboard building for the same reason.
In the meantime, you better get over there to take a parting look just in case…
Tis festival season, people. It’s positively raining festivals out there. Step outside and you’re liable to collide with one. Coming right up is the second annual crafty bonanza of a festival put on by the Museum of Contemporary Craft.
Called Craft PDX: A Block Party, it will have the festival staples, like live music, food and, no doubt, some juicy people watching. But there will also be lectures, artist talks, and free art activities like glass blowing demonstrations, pottery, an embroidery project and clay fun for the kiddies.
It’s happening July 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the North Park Blocks at NW 8th and Davis. And it’s free.
And if you’ve never visited the new location of the Museum of Contemporary Craft, you should drop in while you’re in there. Cool stuff. And they did a great job on the new space.
The best advice I can give you in preparation for the upcoming celebration of our nation’s 232nd birthday is to remove yourself from the hysteria that is the waterfront. Remember, many of those folks discovered the beer tent much earlier in the day.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the blues festival as much as the next person. I just prefer to enjoy explosives from a safe distance. Like a table at the Portland City Grill. So there’s my Portland insider’s secret. Now it’s out in the open.
Call this instant and get a table facing the river. Believe me, once you’ve enjoyed the fireworks alongside a plate of shellfish risotto and a nice glass of pinot grigio, you’ll wonder why anyone ever opts for the sweaty mass of humanity down below. Yeah, America.
